Late free throws help lift Rutgers over South Florida in AAC tournament opener

MEMPHIS, Tenn. — J.J. Moore scored 13 points, including the final two free throws after grabbing a key offensive rebound, as Rutgers defeated South Florida 72-68 in the opening game of the inaugural American Athletic Conference Tournament last night.

With Rutgers, the No. 7 seed, leading 70-68 with 5.7 seconds remaining, Kadeem Jack missed two free throws, but Moore wrestled the rebound away from USF’s Victor Rudd, who was called for his fifth foul. Moore converted the ensuing two free throws for the final margin.

With the win, Rutgers will face 5th-ranked Louisville, the tournament’s second seed, today.

Rudd scored 22 points to lead the 10th-seeded Bulls (12-20), while Chris Perry had 12 points. Martino Brock finished with 10 as USF lost its final nine games.

USF’s woes in the final 8 minutes came from the free throw line, where continual misses kept them from grabbing the lead.

Rutgers led 66-62 with 32 seconds left after Moore split a pair of free throws. Rudd’s rebound basket pulled the Bulls within two with just under 19 seconds remaining. South Florida stayed within four points of Rutgers until Moore’s final rebound and free throws.